Argentina captain Lionel Messi received several death threats before and during the recent FIFA World Cup, while several other high-profile footballers, coaches and referees also faced death threats and harassment, according to confidential security reports prepared throughout the tournament, according to media reports.
The International Police Cooperation Centre (IPCC), comprising the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and police forces from participating countries, prepared daily security reports during the tournament. Spain-based media outlet Prensa Ibérica's investigative crime channel has published parts of the documents.
According to the reports, Messi faced several serious threats. On the day of Argentina's match against Jordan, a man called police in Dallas, Texas, claiming that he and two accomplices were heading to the stadium with homemade bombs and AR-15 semi-automatic rifles. Police said they planned to attack officers and players from both teams, with Messi allegedly their main target.
Before Argentina's match against Egypt, a user on X reportedly threatened to attack Messi with four bombs. During the match, police headquarters received another call claiming that three bombs had been placed in dustbins inside the stadium. Bomb disposal experts and trained dogs were deployed to search the venue.
Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo also faced security threats. On June 14, a FIFA employee reported to police that a person was making detailed enquiries about Ronaldo's accommodation. Police later identified and arrested the suspect at the Portugal team's hotel in Houston on June 16.
Ronaldo also faced attempts by fans to approach him in Toronto and Miami. During Portugal's match against Croatia, a spectator wearing Ronaldo's shirt ran onto the pitch.
Players also received threats over incidents on the field. Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe faced threats and public backlash in Paraguay following an altercation with a Paraguayan goalkeeper. Images of the French forward were reportedly burned in Paraguay on July 5 and 6, with videos of the incidents circulated on social media.
Atletico Madrid's Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth and his wife reportedly received death threats after he missed a clear scoring opportunity.
Colombian footballer Jamin-ton Campaz reportedly could not return home with his teammates after missing a penalty. French defender Lucas Digne also received serious threats after conceding a penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal during the Spain-France match.
South Korea's coach Hong Myung-bo and the entire squad reportedly received death threats following their first-round elimination, prompting authorities to provide heavy police protection as they travelled to the airport.
French referee François Letexier reportedly received around 6,000 threatening messages on his personal WhatsApp number after the controversial Argentina-Egypt match. Most of the messages were allegedly sent by Egyptian citizens.
VAR official Willy Delajod, also from France, received death threats following the same match. The situation reportedly became so serious that police protection was deployed at the homes of both referees and for their family members in France.
